Join

Our community is diverse, capable, and heartfelt. Our members and friends include dedicated senior teachers who have walked the Shambhala Buddhist path for many years, and enthusiastic newcomers who are just discovering our teachings on realizing basic goodness and building enlightened society.

Becoming a member of the Shambhala Meditation Center of St Johnsbury is a statement about your personal inspiration, curiosity, and commitment to the path of awakening. It means participating in a community of practitioners who aspire to relate to each other with honesty, warmth, and openness. We inspire one another to deepen our practice of mindfulness, awareness, and compassion. We also provide each other an opportunity to practice compassion and patience.

We invite anyone interested in our Shambhala Center to consider becoming a member. Becoming a member of our Center simultaneously brings membership in Shambhala, a global community committed to cultivating mindfulness, awareness and compassion―personally and in society.


 What are the mechanics of membership?

Membership in the Shambhala Meditation Center of St Johnsbury is a way to express support and appreciation for the Shambhala teachings. Becoming a member reinforces the commitment to our path and provides and allows all that we have received to continue to be available to others. Joining as a member transforms one’s relationship to practice and to the community.

Practicing meditation

Making a connection to mindfulness-awareness meditation or related contemplative practice and integrating this practice into daily life is considered the best way for members to support Shambhala and benefit the world and ourselves.

Volunteering

All of the work of our local Center and much of the work of the Shambhala Global community is done by volunteers  so the community can continue to thrive and grow. Giving our time and talents to the work of the community is a vital form of support and viewed as part of members’ practice.

Providing financial support

Shambhala is sustained through dues, programs and donations. When becoming a member of the local sangha, one’s financial contributions support the needs of the local community as well as the Shambhala Global organization. Your support makes possible the continued presence of the Dharma in the world. As Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche said “Giving to the sangha is an attempt to shift the world to sanity”

Join others who have become members. We are grateful for the vote of confidence from those who are generous in their giving once a year or on a regular basis.

As a member of the St Johnsbury Shambhala Sangha, you will join a growing base of community and energy, receiving information and opportunities for classes, retreats, workshops, and special events.

Suggested Shambhala Meditation Center of  St. Johnsbury dues are $15 per month to cover the expenses such as office supplies, rent for space, contribution to Shambhala Global for online services and guidance.

Members are welcome to give more or less than these amounts as they feel inspired and to remain a member. Giving can always be tailored to one’s individual financial situation.

View our Generosity Policy for more information about the the Center’s commitment to those who are inspired to support our work and attend our offering of programs and events.

What are the benefits of membership?

Connection with our community by becoming a member helps support your practice and strengthen your understanding of Shambhala Buddhism in many ways:

  • Members receive ongoing meditation instruction with a personal meditation instructor
  • Members are invited to community events, programs, and classes.
  • Members receive a handsome membership pin
  • Automatic membership in Shambhala’s world-wide network is included
  • Access to member resources at www.shambhala.org is provided
  • Members will receive and have access to the “Bulletin Board”, an emailing list to share personal messages (sell furniture, recommend local events, etc.) with other Center members.
  • Members receive the Center’s Newsletter featuring events, programs and Center activities

How do I join and become a Member?

To become a member, please fill out our membership form online and our Membership Coordinator will be in touch with you.

Not ready to join at this time?  Please consider making a donation in support of the Shambhala Meditation Center of St Johnsbury.

 

Those who are in the sangha are warriors, because they are trying to overcome samsara. Members of the sangha support one another and care for one another. They are not perfect, but they inspire us because they are people who want to deepen their practice of mindfulness, awareness and compassion. The sangha is also a container. When we practice together, the sangha helps our discipline. We realize that there are other people around who are going through the same thing. That gives us a feeling of encouragement.
– Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche